Using a baby carrier is one of the most comfortable yet secure ways to carry your little one around. It also enhances the bond between the baby and the caregiver and provides adequate support the baby needs while growing and not forgetting how it has been a saving grace in case the baby has to be held all day.
However, most nursing moms and even moms-to-be have a ton of questions concerning a baby carrier. Is it safe? Which baby carrier is the best? When is the right time to begin using a baby carrier?
In this article, we will be dwelling deeper on the question of when is the appropriate time to begin using a baby carrier. Ideally, baby carriers are perfectly safe to use from day one. However, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind before starting to use a baby carrier.
Factors to Consider Before Starting to Use a Baby Carrier
Age
While it is true that you can use a baby carrier right from hospital after delivery, not all baby carriers are designed to carry babies of all ages. Well, let us take a look at what kind of baby carrier is suitable for each stage that your baby will go through.
- 0 to 4 months old: It is between this age bracket that neck, head and spine support is crucial. Therefore, you want a baby carrier that will comprehensively support your baby without exposing him or her to the risk of neck or spine injuries. Also, your baby is at a curvy or a C- shaped position because of how he or she was during the entire period of pregnancy. Medical experts warn against placing your baby in a position that will attempt to straighten his or her spine. This is because your baby’s joints and muscles are very fragile. Therefore, they are at a higher risk of detaching themselves, which may cause hip dysplasia. While using a baby carrier, ensure that the baby is kept in an ergonomic position. This is where the baby’s hips are spread apart, and the knees are bent, with the hips being higher than the bottom.
- 4 to 8 months old: When the baby is between this age bracket, he or she can pretty much hold their head up without needing any support. Therefore, you can find a more adjustable baby carrier, or even adjust the one you already have to ensure the baby is comfortable. However, make sure you always maintain that m-like bottom position to continue to support the baby’s developing hips. Most baby forums recommend that you can switch your little one’s position to facing outwards, which is perfect because the baby is exposed to the outside world while he or she is developing its senses. However, support is the essential thing, in this case, so you should keep your baby in that inward position. But, it would not hurt to carry your child in an outward position once in a while!
- 8 to 12 months old: Your baby is all grown up and can support their head and neck perfectly by themselves. Well, you can go ahead and change the position of your baby to the outward-front or even the outward-back. This is to enable your little one to come into contact with the surroundings and still experience that closeness with you or any other caregiver.
- 12 months+: At this age, your baby is now a grown toddler, so he or she has gained weight. Using a baby carrier at this point is not a good idea. Unless, if it is designed to carry your child at the back. With all the weight that your baby has gained, it can be tiring when you carry him or her in front. The best option is a back carrier. Not only does it make the job easier for you, but it also does not limit the baby from engaging with the outside world.
Weight
With the vast array of different baby carriers from different brands, each is designed differently to support different weight ranges. Typically, a normal baby carrier is crafted to support approximately 7 to 40 pounds. A healthy newborn baby weighs about 7 pounds or slightly higher, which means you can use a baby carrier as long as your baby is within that weight range.
However, be sure to look at the product’s description to see if that particular baby carrier will well support your baby.
With that being said, here are a couple of things you should know about before you begin using a baby carrier.
Always ask for recommendations and research different kinds of baby carriers before purchasing one.
You may be a new mum who hasn’t used a baby carrier before. As important as it is, you have to end up with the perfect baby carrier for you to enjoy all the benefits that come with having it. For starters, ask for recommendations from friends and family. Of course, you have to be having a friend or family member who is already a mom. They can share with you their experiences when using a baby carrier, and which one worked for them.
Apart from that, you have to research about different baby carriers online, go through consumer reviews before deciding on buying one.
Familiarize yourself with the different baby carrying positions
There are several positions that you can place your baby while in a baby carrier: front carry, facing inwards; front carry, facing outwards; hip carry, and back carry.
The most important thing is knowing when to use these positions because they cannot be used at any time. When to use these positions depend on the age, developmental rate, and weight of your little one. With the factors well explained above, you will be able to make informed decisions on which positions to use when carrying your baby.
Familiarize yourself with safe baby carrying
Nothing matters more than your baby’s safety in all aspects, especially when using a baby carrier. Well, here are some tips on how to ensure that your baby’s safety is in check.
- Make sure your baby is in the correct position
- Fasten all safety buckles and belts to prevent your baby from either falling or staying in an uncomfortable position.
- Do not drink any hot liquids when carrying your baby. Keeping in mind that you are not too far from your mouth, you can easily spill something over your baby’s sensitive head, which is dangerous, especially if it is hot.
- Do not overdress when carrying your baby. Comfort is also part and parcel of safety. Well, one of the ways to ensure that your baby is comfortable while in the baby carrier is not overdressing. Remember, you are in close contact with your baby, so heat is distributed between both of you. Therefore, dress lightly to prevent your baby from feeling too hot.
Always be on the lookout and keep at least one hand under your baby while carrying your baby.
Fastening your baby in the carrier is not enough to guarantee the safety of the baby. While going about your activities, there is always gravity in between both of you, which may change the position of your baby. If you are not careful enough, your little one could fall down. Therefore, always have a hand under the baby carrier in case the baby might slip.
Practice using the baby carrier before actually using the baby carrier.
Before embarking on using a baby carrier, practice using it until you are comfortable. Ensure the buckles and belts work perfectly. You can practice with a doll or a teddy bear, to get close to the actual experience, before placing your baby inside it.
Always check for any signs of wear and tear in the baby carrier before using it.
With all the different brands of baby carriers in the market, it may be quite challenging to pick out a high-quality baby carrier. The truth is, it is far from possible to know if a particular baby carrier will quickly wear out.
The best thing to do is to opt for a baby carrier that has a warranty. In case it has any faults, you can contact the company and exchange it for a new one.
To wrap it up
The question of when to begin using a baby carrier is still up for debate. As much as it is okay to use it as soon as you have your bundle of joy, others prefer waiting until the baby is 4 to 6 months.
Well, the perfect answer is whenever you feel comfortable. Do not rush ahead to use a baby carrier if you are not prepared. If you are confident enough that you have mastered the art of using this vital tool in the journey of parenthood, go ahead and use it. Otherwise, take all the time you need.